The man who brought strength to the screen faced his greatest challenge with quiet courage.
In a tragic development for Indian cinema, Kannada actor Harish Rai, widely loved for his role as Chacha in the blockbuster KGF series, has passed away. The actor was 55 years old. His death was confirmed on November 6, 2025, marking the end of his brave and publicly shared battle against cancer.
Harish Rai’s struggle with the illness was one he faced with immense dignity, having openly spoken about his diagnosis and the significant financial challenges of his treatment in recent months. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of fans and colleagues across the Kannada film industry and beyond.
A Courageous Battle Behind the Scenes
Harish Rai’s health struggle was not a secret. In a heartfelt interview from September 2025, the actor revealed he was fighting thyroid cancer, which had spread to his stomach. The treatment was arduous and expensive. He shared that a single injection for his therapy cost ₹3.55 lakh, with doctors proposing a treatment plan that could have reached a total cost of approximately ₹70 lakh.
Despite the severity of his condition, his spirit remained resilient. He expressed a strong desire to return to acting if his health improved, stating, “treatment will begin once funds for at least the first three injections are ready”. His openness about his fight brought his situation to the public eye, drawing support and prayers from fans nationwide.
More Than a Character: The Man Behind Khasim Chacha
For many across India, Harish Rai was the memorable Khasim Chacha from the KGF films, but his career spanned decades in the Kannada film industry. He was a familiar face in numerous films, known for his powerful screen presence in movies like Om, Samara, Bangalore Underworld, and Jodihakki.
His commitment to his craft was undeniable. In a revelation that shocked many, he shared that he had already been battling cancer for years while filming KGF. He explained that his distinctive long beard in the movie was deliberately grown to hide the swelling in his neck caused by the disease. He even postponed his surgery because he lacked the funds, waiting for the movies to be released, a decision that underscored the personal sacrifices he made for his art.
A Glimpse at Harish Rai’s Career
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Prominent Role | Khasim Chacha in KGF: Chapter 1 & 2 |
| Other Notable Films | Om, Samara, Bangalore Underworld, Jodihakki, Sanju Weds Geetha |
| Industry Contribution | Acted in Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu films for over 25 years |
| Personal Sacrifice | Filmed KGF while battling cancer, using his beard to conceal his illness |
A Industry Mourns and Remembers
The Kannada film industry has lost a respected veteran. Harish Rai was not just an actor but a colleague who earned deep respect. In his final months, he spoke fondly of his industry relationships. While he had not directly informed KGF star Yash about his condition at the time, he expressed unwavering faith in his support, saying, “I know if he comes to know, he will definitely stand by me… he is just one call away”.
His story highlights the often-unseen struggles faced by character artists in the film industry, bringing attention to the need for stronger support systems for those facing health crises.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the cause of Harish Rai’s death?
Harish Rai passed away after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was fighting thyroid cancer, which had subsequently spread to his stomach.
How much did Harish Rai’s cancer treatment cost?
His treatment was extremely costly. Reports from September 2025 indicated that a single injection cost ₹3.55 lakh, and his overall treatment was estimated to be around ₹70 lakh (7 million rupees).
Did Harish Rai work on any other films besides KGF?
Yes. Harish Rai had a career spanning over 25 years in Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu cinema. He was well-known for his roles in films like Om, Samara, Bangalore Underworld, and Jodihakki.
Was Harish Rai the only KGF actor to battle cancer?
No, he wasn’t. Interestingly, Sanjay Dutt, who played the antagonist Adheera in KGF: Chapter 2, also battled and overcame lung cancer during the filming of the movie.
When did Harish Rai reveal his cancer diagnosis?
While he had been suffering from the disease for years, he publicly revealed his advanced throat cancer diagnosis in August 2022. He shared more specific details about his ongoing fight and the financial challenges in September 2025.
Harish Rai’s journey was one of profound strength, both on and off the screen. He faced his illness with the same dignity he brought to his roles, leaving behind a legacy of powerful performances and personal courage. His story is a poignant reminder of the human spirit’s resilience.
As we remember his life and work, consider revisiting his performance in KGF to appreciate the dedication of an artist who gave his all, even while fighting a silent battle. His memory will continue to inspire.
